Photos can be deceptive, but it does look as though the topcoat is damaged. But I'm concerned to see so much colour difference, as typivcally in leather the majority of the colour comes from the basecoat, and topcoats are limited to 2-5% of pigment in them to maintain rubfastness resistance. But you are right to return it..... it would be interesting to see it under a microscope....

Photos can be deceptive, but it does look as though the topcoat is damaged. But I'm concerned to see so much colour difference, as typivcally in leather the majority of the colour comes from the basecoat, and topcoats are limited to 2-5% of pigment in them to maintain rubfastness resistance. But you are right to return it..... it would be interesting to see it under a microscope....

Rgds

Dr Leather

Thank you for your reply, it is much appreciated. I think the photo is making the problem area look grey/lighter than the surrounding area, but if I were to take the photo from a different angle, the problem region actually appears darker/more black.

Anyway, if it is a damaged top coat, would it be an easy fix? Its definitely still under warranty being just 1 day old

It can be fixed, but it shouldn't be the case on a new vehicle. It should be right from the factory, and I would be asking for a replacement item fitted as you are going to be unsure if that piece of leather is defective across all the surface in some way.

It can be fixed, but it shouldn't be the case on a new vehicle. It should be right from the factory, and I would be asking for a replacement item fitted as you are going to be unsure if that piece of leather is defective across all the surface in some way.

Cheers

Dr Leather

I've been driving my car around at night (where you get lots of light at different angles coming onto the dashboard from street lights, to oncoming traffic, to petrol station forecourts etc.) and to be honest, it looks as if its marginally more "satin" around the drivers' end of the dashboard in general (which is where this particular fault is) and quite a bit more matte on the passenger end of the dashboard.

I'm not a leather expert by any means but, if I were to guess, it is as if the top coat of the leather has been applied too thinly on the drivers' end of the dashboard at the factory.

I am currently in discussion with the supplying dealership about this problem. I will have a clearer picture next week hopefully.